Tears sell books. It’s true. I don’t have any stats or evidence to prove this, but it’s just one of those fundamental truths. When we dive into a book, we want to explore the reality conveyed in that book, to become part of the story. This involves emotional involvement and without it, books get put down. Creating emotional impact is arguably the single most important, and perhaps most difficult, aspect to writing fiction. Without it, the story is doomed from … Read More »

Write what you know. That is one of the clichés drilled in our heads as writers from day one. Interesting concept until you start asking questions. Like, so, do authors of serial killer novels… kill people? Are romance novelists the epitome of lovemaking? Did writers of kids books ever grow up? Sure, those are silly questions, but when we get down to it, how connected are we to our creations? And more importantly, to our characters? Is your protagonist someone … Read More »

Let me tell you the true story of two writers who have many things in common—and one important difference. Both writers had completed first drafts for mysteries with an edge of romance. They are both avid readers with little writing experience or instruction. I had the privilege of doing manuscript evaluations for them. This was the first attempt at a novel for both of them. They had created interesting female protagonists and stories with great potential, and they both demonstrated … Read More »

Let’s take a little time and talk about rhyme. So, if I were to take that first line and divide it into two end-stopped lines of poetry: Let’s take a little time/and talk about rhyme I’d have the classic end-stopped exact rhyme we were introduced to as children. Rhyme can be that simple—and that ho-hum. However, if used in a more complex way rhyme can heighten the musicality of your writing. There is a great deal one can say about … Read More »

I am a scientist. In my field, everything must be accurate. In fact, if you’re not a stickler for accuracy as a scientist, your credibility and your reputation can be seriously impugned. But I also write novels and short stories—both fiction genres. Fiction, by definition, is all made up… The dilemma is obvious, the conflicts inherent. When you want to include scientific details in, say, a historic novel, or a thriller with a scientific bent (science-in-fiction, a term created by … Read More »

Unforgettable characters—they live our heads. But can we convey wheat they mean to us effectively onto the page? Of course! To connect readers to your characters, your primary, secondary, and tertiary characters have to do their jobs effectively. They must have purpose and add something to your story. Over time, with a story or series, they may even develop or require a character arc. A good rule to follow is if you name them, they need a character bio worksheet. … Read More »